Police issue warning after three pickups stolen in Kitchener over weekend

Regional police issued a warning Monday afternoon after three pickup trucks were stolen over the weekend in south Kitchener.

All were stolen with the use of replay and reprogramming technology.

Police say the trucks were stolen sometime overnight between August 5 and August 6. The vehicles were:

• A Dodge Ram Pickup – stolen from a driveway in the area of Bechtel Drive and Doon Village Road
• A Dodge Ram Pickup – stolen from a driveway in the area of Pioneer Drive and Upper Canada Drive
• A Dodge Ram Pickup – stolen while parked on the street in the area of Pioneer Drive and Upper Canada Drive

Investigators add that all the trucks were newer model, high-end, with keyless entry and push start technology.

Waterloo Regional also included the following details about relay vehicle theft in a news release.

How does relay vehicle theft work? 

The suspect will approach a residence and use technology to find a key fob signal from inside a residence.  The technology allows the suspects to remain outside the residence to amplify and transfer the key fob signal in order to unlock, start and steal the vehicle. The theft of the vehicle typically goes undetected until the morning when the owner discovers the vehicle has been stolen and they are still in possession of the key fob.

How does reprogramming vehicle theft work?

The suspects will approach the vehicle and force entry inside. Once inside the vehicle, an electronic device is used to access the vehicles diagnostics. The suspects then reprogram a blank key fob so the vehicle can be started.

How to protect your vehicle from a Relay or Reprogramming Theft?

Make your vehicle more secure with the following prevention tips: 

• Park your vehicle inside a locked and secure garage.
• Block the access to the onboard diagnostic port to prevent thieves from reprograming the vehicle’s key fob. (A simple device can be purchased online).
• Use a steering wheel locking device to deter theft. 
• When not in use, place the vehicle key fob inside a radio frequency shielding bag/pouch to block cell signals. 
• Consider equipping your vehicle with an aftermarket global positioning system (GPS) tracker. The tracker may assist police in locating the vehicle and/or suspects.
• Ensure all keys are accounted for and never left in the vehicle or unattended.
• Lock your vehicle at all times.
• Never leave your vehicle running and unattended.
• Consider purchasing a surveillance system and ensure the quality and function will capture any suspicious activity for a 24 hour period.      

If you observe suspicious people in your neighbourhood who are looking into vehicles we encourage you to call police immediately. This will assist investigators to track patterns of criminal behavior and potentially identify suspects.

A crime in-progress can be reported by calling 9-1-1. Any non-emergency incidents can be reported on-line at wrps.on.ca or by calling 519-570-9777.

Anyone with information, or video surveillance footage, is encouraged to contact police at 519-570-9777 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477. Anonymous tips can also be submitted at www.waterloocrimestoppers.com.